Array microphone module and system

Abstract

Embodiments of a modular array microphone system are disclosed, which may include one or more industrial design, mechanical connectivity, and/or acoustic features, components, or aspects.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A modular audio system, comprising:
 first and second modules, each comprising:
 a housing; and 
 a module electrical connector disposed within the housing; 
 
 a connection jumper comprising a pair of jumper electrical connectors that are complementary to the module electrical connectors of the first and second modules, wherein the pair of jumper electrical connectors is configured to electrically connect the module electrical connectors of the first and second modules; and 
 a structural insert configured to mechanically mate the first and second modules, and fit within the housings of the first and second modules. 
 
     
     
       2. The modular audio system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second modules comprises a plurality of microphones supported by the housing and generally dispersed across the length of the housing. 
     
     
       3. The modular audio system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second modules comprises an external electrical connector disposed within the housing, wherein the external electrical connector is configured to communicate with a processor external to the first and second modules. 
     
     
       4. The modular audio system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 each of the first and second modules comprises a printed circuit board; and 
 the module electrical connector is disposed on the printed circuit board. 
 
     
     
       5. The modular audio system of  claim 4 , wherein:
 the housing comprises one or more retaining features on an interior surface; and 
 the printed circuit board is configured to fit within the one or more retaining features such that the printed circuit board is maintained within the housing. 
 
     
     
       6. The modular audio system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the housing comprises one or more retaining features on an interior surface; and 
 the structural insert is configured to fit within the one or more retaining features such that the first and second modules are mechanically mated. 
 
     
     
       7. The modular audio system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 each housing of the first and second modules further comprises a locator; and 
 the connection jumper further comprises a pair of complementary locators that are configured to mate with the locators of each housing and secure the housings together. 
 
     
     
       8. The modular audio system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 each housing of the first and second modules comprises a plurality of acoustically transparent apertures; 
 one of the plurality of apertures on the housing of the first module is configured to overlap with one of the plurality of apertures on the housing of the second module, when the housings are mated. 
 
     
     
       9. The modular audio system of  claim 1 , wherein the connection jumper and each housing of the first and second modules further comprises a fastener hole for accepting a fastener configured to secure the connection jumper to each housing. 
     
     
       10. The modular audio system of  claim 1 , wherein the module electrical connector is disposed proximate an end of the first and second modules. 
     
     
       11. The modular audio system of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second modules comprise one or more of a microphone module or an interface module. 
     
     
       12. The modular audio system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the module electrical connector comprises a female electrical connector; and 
 the pair of jumper electrical connectors each comprises a male electrical connector. 
 
     
     
       13. The modular audio system of  claim 1 , wherein the structural insert is further configured to allow each module electrical connector to access and electrically connect with the pair of jumper electrical connectors. 
     
     
       14. The modular audio system of  claim 1 , wherein the structural insert is generally H-shaped. 
     
     
       15. An audio module, comprising:
 a housing comprising: 
 one or more retaining features to accept a structural insert configured to mechanically mate the audio module with a second module; and 
 a locator configured to mate with a complementary locator of a connection jumper; 
 a printed circuit board disposed within the housing; 
 a plurality of microphones supported by the housing and generally dispersed across the length of the housing; and 
 an electrical connector disposed at an end of the printed circuit board proximate an end of the housing, wherein the electrical connector is configured to electrically connect with a complementary electrical connector of the connection jumper. 
 
     
     
       16. The audio module of  claim 15 , wherein the housing further comprises one or more second retaining features configured to accept the printed circuit board such that the printed circuit board is maintained within the housing. 
     
     
       17. The audio module of  claim 15 , wherein the housing further comprises a fastener hole for accepting a fastener configured to secure the connection jumper to the housing. 
     
     
       18. The audio module of  claim 15 , wherein the electrical connector comprises a female electrical connector. 
     
     
       19. The audio module of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the housing comprises a plurality of acoustically transparent apertures; 
 one of the plurality of apertures on the housing of the audio module is configured to overlap with one of the plurality of apertures on a housing of a second module, when the housings of the audio module and the second module are mated. 
 
     
     
       20. The audio module of  claim 15 , wherein the one or more retaining features accept the structural insert that is further configured to allow the electrical connector to access and electrically connect with the complementary electrical connector of the connection jumper.